English Reference
adjective · noun

wearing

adj. · n.
US /ˈwɛɹɪŋ/ UK /wˈeəɹɪŋ/ wear·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.something that makes you feel very tired or tests your patience.

    adj.causing tiredness, exhaustion, or a loss of patience through persistence or repetition.

    Simple

    Looking after three energetic toddlers all day can be very wearing.

    In context

    The constant noise from the construction site next door proved wearing for the office staff trying to meet their deadlines.

    refreshingenergizing
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.the process of something becoming thinner or damaged because it is used a lot.

    n.the mechanical process of erosion, attrition, or gradual impairment through use or exposure.

    Simple

    The wearing of the stone steps over centuries showed how many people had walked there.

    In context

    Engineers monitored the gradual wearing of the turbine blades to determine the optimal schedule for preventative maintenance.

    Usage

    Often appears in the phrase 'wearing away'.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    n.a word for clothes or things you wear, often used in shops.

    n.garments or items intended for use on the body; frequently used in compound nouns to denote specific categories of apparel.

    Simple

    The boutique specialized in formal wearing for weddings and parties.

    In context

    The department store reorganized its floor plan to group all outdoor wearing in a single, easily accessible wing.

    Usage

    Usually found in compounds like 'evening wearing' or 'children's wearing', though 'wear' is more common in modern English.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated